Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) was founded in 1880 and is regarded as one of the UK's foremost specialist institutions for higher education. The university has a particular focus on the arts and creative industry, and excels in combining a student's creative talent with the drive and skills they need to succeed professionally.
The university prides itself on cultivating a vibrant and welcoming community of creatives and innovative collaborators. Hosting more than 3,000 students on its campus every year, including 150 postgraduate students, this shared commitment to the arts allows the university to foster an environment where boundaries can be pushed, beliefs and practices can be challenged, and conventions can be tested.
AUB offers a range of postgraduate and short professional courses, as well as creative master's courses, including animation production, design, illustration, architecture, photography, painting, film, historical costume and digital fashion innovation.
AUB also offers supervision for students who wish to undertake a research degree (MPhil/PhD). All research degrees at AUB are validated by the University of the Arts London (UAL).
In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF), over 40% of AUB's university research was deemed to be ‘internationally excellent' or ‘world-leading'.
Arts University Bournemouth students on Postgraduate search say:
''It's a passionate university that cares about their students, finds opportunities for them and pushes them further.''
''The university has a strong community feeling and I love being around such like-minded people. The lecturers are also great and it is very inspiring to see that they are all so passionate about what they teach.''
''Everyone i have met has been very friendly and although we may not be very close or have anything in common everyone is very approachable and nice. Being near the beach and new forest also gives me plenty of options for walks and hikes.''
AUB's mission is simple: to turn creativity into careers. Its postgraduate courses and teaching style reflect this mission. Students work as part of a close-knit creative community, where they are encouraged to collaborate with other emerging artists, designers and filmmakers – generating a network that can extend beyond the course and into the workplace.
Postgraduate students have access to facilities and equipment that is on par, or even ahead of, industry standard. They are actively encouraged to enter projects into major national and international competitions to help them stand out amongst their peers.
State-of-the-art spaces at AUB include:
Drawing Studio: purpose-built to provide a space rich in natural light.
Theatre and Dance Studio: Facilities include Harlequin sprung dance floors and industry-standard lighting, audio and visual equipment.
Printroom and Passiv Haus: Catering to students studying fine art, illustration, graphic design and fashion.
MoDiP: The Museum of Design in Plastics is the UK's leading research facility for the study of plastics in design.
TheGallery: Offers a platform for students and local, national and international artists.
Bournemouth Film School: One of the oldest film schools in the UK and the largest outside London.
The Library: Holds a wide range of print and online resources.
Arts University Bournemouth students on Postgraduate search say:
''I really like how safe I feel in the university halls. It gives me a lot of peace of mind knowing I live here.''
''Accessible facilities and supportive lecturers who are willing to listen and help.''
''The studio and workshop spaces are very nice and have more than enough materials and tools to build and make whatever I want to. ''
AUB offers two halls of residence for MA students.
October intake MA students can apply for en-suite rooms at Madeira Road. February intake students can find en-suite and studio rooms on the Campus Halls.
All options are for single occupancy and have wired and Wi-Fi internet access. On site, students have access to laundry facilities, lockable mailboxes, bike storage and reception/security on site 24 hours a day.
Bookings open in advance, and rooms are limited and not guaranteed.
AUB offers academic achievement scholarships. Applicants with a 2:1 degree may be eligible for a 10% course fee discount. The university also offers a scholarship for relevant experience, which represents a 10% fee discount.
The International Excellence Scholarship is worth £5,000 each, and recognises artistic merit, awarded by the course leader on each of the university's MA courses.
Visit the website to know more.
Annual master's course fees:
Full-time
Part-time
All students who gained their undergraduate degree at AUB will receive a 20% postgraduate fee discount (except Master of Architecture). Full-time International students can get a 10% discount for early fee payment.
Annual Research Degrees fees:
AUB fosters an interdisciplinary learning environment that celebrates ideas and empowers students to collaborate with other artists and performers. Its impressive range of postgraduate courses are delivered through a range of methods and are designed to offer students opportunities to:
Course lecturers are experts in art, design, and media, bringing years of industry experience into a unique and creative academic environment. They are able to effectively communicate their expertise and are enthusiastic about the success of their students.
The university's Industry Secondment scheme enables AUB staff to undertake work placements with leading companies, actively engaging with industry to ensure that all teaching is reflective of current industry practice.
AUB also hosts several visiting industry professionals and practitioners to share their industry experience with students.
Arts University Bournemouth students on Postgraduate search say:
''I am really enjoying the course so far - there is a lot of help at your disposal if needed but in general the tutors are great at explaining exactly what needs to be done and how to do it!''
''The tutors take students' feedback seriously and not only listens but acts on it where they can.''
''I really like how hands on all of the lecturers and tutors are especially when Im in the studio working outside of scheduled lessons working on projects, they are happy to help and give critical analysis.''
AUB offers a range of master's programmes:
Courses can be studied on a full-time or part-time basis on campus. Course lecturers are experts in art, design, and media and are supported by the university to remain active in industry, through professional secondments.
AUB offers a Master of Research (MRes Arts) course designed for students who wish to study at master's level with an independent project as part of their course. This helps students develop their research skills and provides a stepping-stone towards doctoral study.
The university also offers a range of MPhil and PhD research degrees.
Research degrees are awarded and validated through the university's partnership with University of the Arts London.
AUB Online offers master's courses designed specifically for online delivery and distance learning. They're perfect for students who are motivated to take the next step in their career but would prefer to do it at their own pace.
AUB Online courses and annual fees
AUB has been a leading specialist education provider for the arts and creative industries for 140 years.
The university has a strong reputation for delivering highly skilled, work-ready graduates through initiatives including ‘live briefs', project-based work, and active cross-department collaborations.
Academic staff are experts in their fields, often undertaking industry secondments in order to ensure their knowledge and teaching is current and relevant to industry.
AUB's areas of specialty includes its illustration course, which has an extremely high graduate employment rate, and its costume design degree, which is successful at progressing many AUB graduates into leading creative productions in film, theatre, and television. The university is also home to the largest film school outside of London, and one of the longest established anywhere in the UK. This gives AUB a unique and long-standing culture of creative design and production, making it one of the top schools in its field nationally.
Arts University Bournemouth students on Postgraduate search say:
''Lots of workshops on offer and technical support is great.''
''The best parts include the people, the working environment, the access to any materials and tools i may need for modelling, the hands on teaching, and wide range of disciplines we practice.''
''I believe that AUB has all you need and that as a student all you have to do is to engage and take all the opportunities you can.''
Bournemouth is most famous for its award-winning beaches. Students can soak up the sun and the fun of the pier on Bournemouth's main beach, or hit the surf nearby.
Closer to home, Bournemouth's bustling town centre has plenty to keep shopping enthusiasts happy. It also has a multiplex cinema and plenty of parks and gardens, and a buzzing nightlife scene.
Arts University Bournemouth students on Postgraduate search say:
''Lots of events and support offered and a student union that actively engages with its students!''
''I like the location, it's easy to get the bus to uni but also in the city close to the nightlife and shops for groceries.''
''The Student Union each year has been getting better and better, planning events that enrich the student life.''
AUBSU runs a number of sports clubs: badminton, boxing, climbing, fencing, football, netball, rugby, surfing, tae kwon do and volleyball. They also run a host of societies covering hobbies and special interests like cosplay, dance, debating and philosophy, games, sculpting and writing.
AUB also runs a mature student network, an environmentalist network, and an LGBT+ network. All clubs, societies, and networks are open to all students, including postgraduates. Membership is either free or offered at a low-cost fee.
The AUB students' union is run by a team of democratically elected student officers, whose primary role is to ensure that all students have the best possible experience.
The AUBSU team ensures that the student voice is heard and works to enact changes that enrich the lives of students.
AUB takes the welfare of its students seriously and has a number of support services to help students with any issue they may face during their time studying.
The student services team is on-hand to provide advice and guidance on a range of student issues. Senior Wellbeing Officers offer a daily drop-in service where they provide guidance on practical strategies for managing issues and can refer students to local NHS mental health services.
AUB also offers a student counselling service, through which students can book private sessions with a BACP-accredited therapist who will help students work through their problems in a confidential and non-judgmental manner.
Students with physical disabilities and learning difficulties are fully supported by the AUB support team to fulfil their requirements.
AUB also has an on-campus GP and nurse, who students can book appointments with during term time, and a dedicated Faith and Reflection Centre offering a Chaplaincy service for people of all faiths or none.
Arts University Bournemouth students on Postgraduate search say:
''There's also an impressive careers support department and lots of visiting lectures from professionals to help educate students on how to make a career out of their degree.''
''The university works hard to be as inclusive and welcoming as possible, and you can tell that most the people working here really care about the students.''
''They are really good at supporting their students and pushing them to network and to take on all opportunities available. They are also always looking to improve and support the students and that's all you can really want to be honest.''
In most courses, students work towards building a portfolio of work through practical assignments. They are offered the chance to work on ‘live brief' projects and are encouraged to enter major competitions to help them stand out in industry and gain recognition for their work.
Business and entrepreneurship skills are also taught as fundamental parts of many courses. This means that AUB students are not only taught subject-specific knowledge, but also learn about the transferable skills and attitude needed to succeed in the workplace.
AUB's careers and enterprise centre helps students to prepare for and pursue a career in the creative industries. It provides one-to-one advice, sessions for CV writing and interview preparation, and skills development in self-promotion, networking, and self-employment/freelancing.
Additionally, Arts University Bournemouth has an expanded network of tens of thousands of alumni working in a wide variety of professional sectors in the UK and abroad. Current students may benefit from connecting with this group of professionals, where they are able to gain valuable insights and advice for starting their own career.
Arts University Bournemouth students on Postgraduate search say:
''A well-structured course built for its students to give them every opportunity to grow and learn for the future and in their careers.''
''I am now in my third year and preparing myself for the industry, I really can't thank the staff more for being the rocks of the course and supporting and pushing us to be the very best designers we can be.''
''Career prospects are good as the uni has a good reputation.''
